"most of what constitutes being a hacker (in the HN sense) doesn't even approach illegality" I wouldn't say that. As an example, many companies in the (very cr

"most of what constitutes being a hacker (in the HN sense) doesn't even approach illegality" I wouldn't say that. As an example, many companies in the (very crowded) data-storage or file-sharing space spend a lot of money on legal fees to cover their asses (or do damage control) in case of copyright violation when someone decides to share the latest DVD rip using their service. There are many other examples like this. People in our field are constantly exploring the limits of what we can and can't do with technology in the context of laws that were created without these uses in mind. True, it has never been a better time to be a hacker, but I think when/if we have all these issues sorted out it will be even better.